DAD'S COLA BURGERS

Dad's Cola Burgers image

Before you hand out the drinks, save a little soda to make these burgers. Cola helps soften the texture and kick up the flavor. Used in the meat mixture and brushed on during cooking, it takes this football favorite to another level. -Emily Nelson, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1/2 cup crushed saltines (about 15 crackers)
1/2 cup (nondiet) cola, divided
6 tablespoons French salad dressing, divided
1 large egg
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
6 hamburger buns, split
Optional toppings: Lettuce leaves and tomato and red onion slices

Steps:

Combine saltine crumbs, 1/4 cup cola, 3 tablespoons salad dressing, egg, Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add beef; mix well. Shape into six 3/4-in.-thick patties (the mixture will be moist); sprinkle with remaining salt. Combine remaining 1/4 cup cola and 3 tablespoons salad dressing., Grill patties, covered, over medium heat 3 minutes per side. Brush with cola mixture. Grill, brushing and turning occasionally, until a thermometer reads 160°, 3-4 minutes longer. Serve on buns; if desired, top with lettuce, tomato and onion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 419 calories, Fat 20g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 103mg cholesterol, Sodium 698mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 28g protein.